A couple of days ago my 02 MCS started doing some weird noise that to me sounds like some bad ball bearing on one of the many pulleys. I'm not talking about the normal characteristic 1st gen engine sound so pay close attention to a grinding / clacking sound instead. Not sure which one, but the noise seem to come from either the tension pulley or one located even deeper. Hopefully the SC is not to blame. Any ideas? [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5poBB-K93Ek[/ame]
If you think it is deeper in the engine one of the items I would be suspect of on a model of this vintage is the Crank Pulley. However, you want to listen at the other end of the Super Charger to make sure the water pump gears are not grinding themselves to bits too.
Interesting... So the water pump is located on the oposite side of the SC module below the SC cooler? Thanks for replying back! Rayanmx
The gears that drive the water pump are found on the opposite side of the supercharger from the pulley. This is an extreme case below, but over time it's quite possible the lubricant from that end can slowly leak out. This is the result. Thats why I mention having a listen to that end as well.
The link is showing "private" to me, so I can't hear. The easy things to do, lift the front of the vehicle, remove the passenger side wheel and wheel well liner. Take tension off the belt, and pull the belt away from the idler pulley. Spin the idler pulley, and spin the tensioner pulley, listen for tinking noises and feel for grittiness. Also, grab the crankshaft pulley and push upward with the heal of the hand; the crankshaft pulley should not be able to rock. Without hearing the noise, I would suspect the idler or tensioner pulleys. Unfortunately the tensioner assembly is only available as OEM, the idler pulley is available from a few manufactures, Gates 36168 is a fairly low cost alternative.
Hummm...that video worked before. To the OP, please change the settings on the video to be publicly view-able.
Sorry I messed up the video settings, but it's back online. Same link above. Thanks for the feedback to all! I really appreciate it! I will try whatever I can with the limited tools I have. Or at least be prepared for a real damage/cost estimate by my local mechanic... Keep your suggestions coming! Thanks again!
Yeah, it sounds like the bad idler pulley sound I had. Do what KHuevo suggests above: remove the front passenger wheel and wheel well liner (use AGranger's instructions in the Library How tos here on MA). You can use a length of plastic tubing placed on your ear with the other end as a stethoscope to pinpoint which pulley is making the high rattling sound (it works really well). Good luck!
I will do what you suggested this weekend. You guys are awesome! Many thanks to everyone that responded! Will report back with my findings. God bless!
Sorry for not replying earlier... Well, turns out that after checking with a hose, and judging by the sound its one of the tensioning pulleys, the one on the bottom. (will try to illustrate which part with a photo once I get it) Will try to order it tomorrow once I check for the part number. In the meantime the sound stopped with a little WD40 but my mechanic suggested not to wait much longer. :-( I will also order the belt and any other items you guys/gals suggest me to get too... Thanks in advance and happy Thanksgiving!
Apparently the culprit is pulley #3 from the diagram (Adjusting Pulley) which according to realioem.com costs $45.97 Any suggestions on where to get this part a bit cheaper? http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RE31&mospid=48020&btnr=11_3394&hg=11&fg=18 Thanks again!
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Gates-36168-Idler-Pulley/dp/B001FM9WTC"]Amazon.com: Gates 36168 Idler Pulley: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/313NkjuQ6%2BL.@@AMEPARAM@@313NkjuQ6%2BL[/ame] NAPA also has them if you can't wait.